How many kilojoules in alcoholic drinks?

Many of us enjoy a social drink this time of year but alcohol can be high in empty energy. HFG dietitian Melissa Meier takes a look at how many kilojoules are in popular tipples.

A glass of wine or beer on a Friday night, or a cocktail with friends over the weekend, is a pleasant way to unwind.

With the silly season fast approaching, here’s how to sip a little smarter.

The kilojoules/calories in alcohol Alcohol is high in kilojoules that, when consumed in excess, can contribute to unwanted weight gain. There’s also no nutritional benefit from drinking alcohol, which is why it’s often referred to as ‘empty calories’.

One standard drink contains 10g of alcohol, which equates to 290kJ (69cal). Given that the average restaurant serve of wine contains 1.4 standard drinks, or a 25ml schooner of full-strength beer contains 1.6 standard drinks, it’s easy to see how the kilojoules can quickly add up.

Eat, drink & be merry! Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach means you’ll feel the effects very quickly — then hello hangover! So, before you start drinking, eat a nutritious meal or snack. By eating beforehand, you’ll also be less likely to overdo into salty party foods that make you thirsty and, in turn, drink more.

Lighter fare Luckily, it’s easy to rein things in. If your go-to quencher is beer, a low-alcohol variety can save kilojoules. If wine is more your thing, you could try a spritzer made up of 50 per cent wine and 50 per cent soda water, to lighten things up.

Alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks is another wise way to cut down total alcohol intake. Kombucha, mineral water with a squeeze of lime juice, or even a sugar-free soft drink every now and then, can provide a refreshing flavour hit, so that you don’t end up feeling like you’re missing out.

Last but not least, opt out of ‘rounds’ by saying no to refills until your glass is empty. It will help you stay on track and in control. Cheers to that!